State-run bus operator Transport Co will soon launch new bus services to connect three major airports managed by Airports of Thailand to various provinces, aiming to facilitate seamless travel and boost local tourism, the company announced on July 9, 2024.
Transport Co managing director Atthawit Rakchamroon disclosed that the company has consulted with AoT on operating interprovincial bus services from Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket airports. The plan also includes setting up ticketing offices at these airports to enhance convenience for travelers.
These new services are expected to start by the end of the year, providing crucial connections to major cities, tourist destinations, and secondary provinces. Initial routes will include Pattaya in Chon Buri, Chanthaburi, Trat, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Hua Hin district in Prachuap Khiri Khan, among others.
Mr. Atthawit highlighted that the interprovincial bus services would offer travelers more options to reach their destinations from the airports, potentially boosting tourist arrivals and stimulating economic activities in the provinces. This initiative aligns with the government’s objective to revitalize local economies through enhanced transportation links.
In a specific suggestion, AoT recommended that Transport Co begin with a scheduled bus service from Phuket airport to Khao Lak, a popular seaside tourist spot in Phangnga. This route is seen as particularly beneficial due to the high travel demand and current high costs of transportation in the area.
The new bus services are designed to provide convenience and cost-effective travel options for both residents and tourists. The initiative is part of a broader government strategy to promote tourism and economic growth across Thailand by improving public transport infrastructure and connectivity.
Moreover, the implementation of these services will contribute to the government’s policy of stimulating the economy in major and secondary cities and domestic tourism. The details of the ticketing office setup at the three airports and the planned feeder routes are being finalized, with the service launch anticipated within 2024.
The opening ceremony for the new services saw the attendance of several notable officials, including Mr. Keerati Kitmanawat, AoT President and CEO, who emphasized the collaboration between AoT and Transport Co in supporting this transportation initiative.
Transport Co aims to provide detailed plans for the ticketing offices and feeder routes to ensure swift implementation, enhancing travel convenience for passengers and supporting Thailand’s tourism and economic goals.
